“We are very excited to bring Ola to Los Angeles,” Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid said in a statement. “He has been one of the league’s most productive forwards during his two seasons in MLS and we believe he will be a great fit in our attack. We look forward to him joining our squad.”

Zardes, meanwhile, may be getting a much-needed fresh start after a dismal 2017 campaign with only two goals and two assists in 24 league appearances. At one point, Zardes' offensive struggles led to Schmid experimentally slotting him in at right back.

But the Crew could have a found a bargain if Zardes can regain his peak form. Just three years prior to last season's misery, Zardes hit 16 league goals in the 2014 league campaign, a tally that lifted him into regular action with the US national team.

“Gyasi is a talented forward that has been successful in this league and with the US men's national team," Columbus sporting director and head coach Gregg Berhalter said in a statement. "He is a high character individual and has a bright future in Major League Soccer and with our club. In addition to what we know Gyasi will bring to our playing system, we have received significant additional resources to help the club as we build our roster for the 2018 campaign."

Zardes scored six league goals in each of the 2015 and 2016 seasons and gradually played more often as a wide attacking midfielder rather than an out-and-out striker. Overall, he has 34 goals and 17 assists in 131 league appearances.